In our class we are going to use a precise, scientific definition of energy.

1. Energy is a property of a system that enables change to occur.

2. Energy has no independent existence.

3. You can’t ask “What is energy made of?”, just like you can’t ask “what is length made of?” The question has no meaning:

4. Energy is the way a system is set up, such that it can do work on another system.

For example, a ball on a crane can be set up, so that when it is released, it does work by smashing into a building. We say that energy is put into the wrecking ball when we lift it, energy is put into the pieces of the building when it is smashed, etc. But the “energy” is not actually a thing. It is a way to keep track of how one part of the system affects another part.

Learning standards

HS-PS3-1. Use algebraic expressions and the principle of energy conservation to calculate the change in energy of one component of a system when the change in energy of the other component(s) of the system, as well as the total energy of the system including any energy entering or leaving the system, is known.

Disciplinary Core Idea Progression Matrix

PS3.A and 3.B: The total energy within a physical system is conserved. Energy transfer within and between systems can be described and predicted in terms of energy associated with the motion or configuration of particles (objects)